Germany head into their final group game with USA knowing a win will be enough to see them qualify top of their group, avoiding a tricky second round meeting with Belgium in the process.

For the US though, even a draw would be enough to see them through in a scenario not all too dissimilar to the infamous Pact of Gijon, when Germany and Austria played out a game with a result that helped them both qualify for the knockout stages in 1982.

But rather than get into the politics of what is sure to be a memorable World Cup encounter, check out five of the breakout stars for Germany and USA that have been linked with Premier League moves.

John Brooks – Hertha Berlin

Team USA’s goalscoring super sub against Ghana in the first game, Brooks has impressed since breaking into the American national team after being recruited by Jurgen Klinsmann from the Bundesliga to boost his defensive options.

A relative unknown at the Bavarian club, having spent last season in their reserve side, Green was thrown into the limelight earlier this month after Klinsmann opted to take the 19-year-old as part of his USA squad ahead of national team icon Landon Donovan.

A few years ago we would have been laughed off the internet for trying to suggest Schweinsteiger would ever leave the Allianz Arena but injury problems, a slight dip in form and rumours of discontent between the player and Bayern boss Pep Guardiola have all seen that change.

Another of Klinsmann’s new recruits, Johannsson was born in Mobile, Alabama to Icelandic parents but despite appearing for the Scandinavian’s at under-21 level, was ultimately recruited to the Team USA cause after impressing at Danish club AGF Aarhus and later AZ.

And Johannsson could yet follow in the footsteps of Jozy Altidore by swapping the Eredivisie for the Premier League, amid rumours of interest from Stoke City. An impressive display against Germany could hasten such a move.

Jack Beresford

Jack is a 27-year-old writer with experience in writing about sport in a range of guises. He’s something of a statto when it comes to soccer and has a passion for English football at all levels, as well as Serie A and the Bundesliga.